A Great Night for A Halloween Party
While the weather outside was a bit frightful, inside it was quite delightful for the 2022 Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Halloween party, held in a big, bright renovated room at our new home at the Special Olympics of Michigan Unified Sports and Inclusion Center.
So, on a cold and rainy night, some 50 children and their families still were able to put on their Halloween costumes, do crafts, get treats, do some bowling, be part of an ASL storytime and more.
D&HHS community and partnerships manager Erica Chapin was all smiles as she and community education coordinator Nancy Piersma, both in costume, staffed the registration table and greeted attendees.
She said the agency’s new home continues to create valuable spaces for connection and community.
“As we have this Halloween party in this great community space, we also are holding an ASL 3 class just a few doors down,” she said. “When we moved here this past summer, we wanted this to be a hub for all kinds of activities, and that’s exactly what is happening.”
Executive director Deb Atwood, also in costume, agreed.
“Isn’t this great,” she said with a big smile. “How wonderful to see all of these kiddos together in one space, just enjoying themselves and having fun. It’s why we do what we do, and it’s very gratifying.”
One of the Halloween party attendees was Nelle Martinez, there with her three children who were eagerly taking part in the many activities available for the children.
As she spoke about the event, and its importance for her hard of hearing son, her eyes filled with tears and her voice caught with emotion.
“This is so amazing,” she said as she looked around the room and the people of all ages and all walks of life. “To be here, for my son to see and be with other people like him, which doesn’t happen that much, to know it’s not just him, it means a lot.”
